ASYMMETRICAL MULTI-LOBED ANNULAR SEAL FOR A CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE
A vehicle is provided having a fluid connector assembly. The fluid connector assembly may include a face seal positioned between connectors. The face seal may include an o-ring having an asymmetrical outer profile. The face seal may include a top lobe, an outer lobe, and an inner lobe. The outer lobe may be positioned under a groove retaining lip of the connector assembly.
Latest DEERE & COMPANY Patents:
The present disclosure relates to an annular seal of a fluid connector assembly, and more particularly to a multi-lobed seal having an asymmetrical cross-section for use in a fluid connector assembly of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARYIn hydraulic or pneumatic systems, conduit or hose connections generally include a face seal between connectors. The face seal typically consists of a standard o-ring positioned in a groove of one of the connectors. The connector may include a groove retaining lip for holding the o-ring in place. Standard o-rings, which typically include a circular cross-section, may be susceptible to slipping past the groove retaining lip and popping out of the face seal groove. Further, the displaced seals may be pinched between the connectors, causing potential damage to the seal.
A failed seal in a conduit connection may lead to hydraulic fluid leakage. In agricultural and construction equipment applications, fluid leaks may contaminate the ground and lead to a temporary shutdown of the harvest field or construction site. Failed seals may also necessitate repeated replacement or reinstallation of the o-rings in the connectors, causing additional downtime and decreased productivity.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided including a chassis, a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis, and a fluid system supported by the chassis. The fluid system includes a fluid connector assembly having a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector. The first connector includes an end portion having an annular groove. The annular groove includes a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, a base wall extending between the first and second side walls, and a lip portion extending outwardly from the first side wall. The lip portion includes an inner surface positioned opposite the base wall. The first connector includes a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion. The seal includes a first convex surface, a second convex surface, and a concave surface extending between the first convex surface and the second convex surface. The first and second convex surfaces and the concave surface cooperate to form an asymmetrical outer profile of the seal. At least a portion of the first convex surface abuts the inner surface of the lip portion.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided including a chassis, a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis, and a fluid system supported by the chassis. The fluid system includes a fluid connector assembly having a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector. The first connector includes an end portion having an annular groove. The annular groove includes a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, and a base wall extending between the first and second side walls. The first connector includes a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion. The seal has an outer profile with a first convex arc, a second convex arc, and a third convex arc. The first, second, and third convex arcs each have a central angle, a radius of curvature, and an arc length. The central angle of each of the first, second, and third convex arcs is greater than 90 degrees.
According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided including a chassis, a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis, and a fluid system supported by the chassis. The fluid system includes a fluid connector assembly having a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector. The first connector includes an end portion having an annular groove. The annular groove includes a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, and a base wall extending between the first and second side walls. The first connector includes a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion. The seal has an outer profile with a plurality of convex arcs. Each convex arc has a central angle, a radius of curvature, and an arc length. The sum of the central angles of the plurality of convex arcs is greater than 360 degrees.
According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided including a chassis, a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis, and a fluid system supported by the chassis. The fluid system includes a fluid connector assembly having a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector. The first connector includes an end portion having an annular groove. The annular groove includes a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, and a base wall extending between the first and second side walls. The first connector includes a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion. The seal has an outer profile including a first arc and a second arc. The first arc has a first center point and a first radius measured between the first center point and the first arc, and the second arc has a second center point and a second radius measured between the second center point and the second arc. The first center point is offset from the second center point. A distance between the first and second center points is less than a sum of the first and second radii.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings.
Referring to
Connector assembly 10 is configured to provide a sealed fluid connection in a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid system. As illustrated, an interior portion or inner bore 30 extending through tube 26 is in fluid communication with an interior portion or inner bore 32 of tube 16. Connector assembly 10 may be used in a fluid system for construction or agricultural equipment, such as a hydraulic system of a loader, a backhoe, a skid steer, a dump truck, a motor grader, a log skidder or other skidder, a combine, a tractor, a bulldozer, a feller buncher, a crawler, a tree harvester, an excavator, a forwarder, a lawn mower, or another utility vehicle. See, for example, connector assembly 10 of vehicle 150 illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
As illustrated in
Referring to
Outer profile 100 further includes intermediate surfaces extending between the arcuate surfaces 102, 104, and 106 and forming concave portions 86, 88 and flat portion 90. A first intermediate surface 120 extends between points B and C and connects top arcuate surface 104 and outer arcuate surface 102. A second intermediate surface 122 extends between points A and F and connects top arcuate surface 104 and inner arcuate surface 106. Intermediate surfaces 120, 122 are illustratively curved, concave surfaces forming concave arcs of outer profile 100. In particular, intermediate surface 120 has a radius of curvature 128 extending from a point Q located outside outer profile 100, and intermediate surface 122 has a radius of curvature 130 extending from a point R located outside outer profile 100. In one embodiment, radii of curvature 128, 130 are substantially the same length. In one embodiment, the arc length of first intermediate surface 120 is greater than the arc length of the second intermediate surface 122. Intermediate surfaces 120, 122 may alternatively be substantially flat surfaces. An intermediate or bottom surface 124 extends between points D and E of outer profile 100 and connects outer arcuate surface 102 and inner arcuate surface 106. In the illustrated embodiment, intermediate surface 124 is substantially flat and forms flat portion 90 of seal 20. As such, intermediate surface 124 is configured to abut base wall 54 of connector 12, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring still to
Referring to
As illustrated, a pair of gaps 136, 138 may exist between seal 20 and outer wall 56 of connector 12 due to the rounded profile of outer lobe 80 and the flat profile of outer wall 56. A gap 94 is also provided between seal 20 and inner wall 52 when seal 20 is positioned in groove 50. Gap 94 may vary in size depending on the spacing of walls 52, 56 and the size of seal 20. In one embodiment, gap 94 may facilitate the installation of seal 20 into groove 50 and allow for seal 20 to expand when compressed during assembly of connector assembly 10. In particular, gap 94 may provide a space into which a compressed seal 20 may expand. In one embodiment, a compressed seal 20 expands to form a substantially oval-shaped cross-section when connector assembly 10 is assembled. In one embodiment, seal 20 expands during compression such that inner arcuate surface 106 contacts inner wall 52 of groove 50. Gaps 136, 138 may also provide an area for the expansion of seal 20 during compression. Gap 94 may also serve to reduce the likelihood of cutting or damaging seal 20 during an installation of seal 20. In one embodiment, gap 94 is sized such that seal 20 may achieve design requirements for the minimum and maximum fill percentage when positioned in groove 50. Such design requirements may include performance pressure requirements, such as burst, impulse, proof, and vacuum requirements.
In the illustrated embodiment, outer lobe 80 is larger than inner lobe 84, i.e., outer lobe 80 has a larger radius of curvature 112 than the radius of curvature 114 of inner lobe 84. As such, outer lobe 80 is positioned higher than inner lobe 84 in relation to base wall 54 of connector 12, as illustrated in
In assembly, lip portion 60 is positioned above outer lobe 80 (relative to base wall 54), as illustrated in
Referring again to
In one embodiment, center point X is at a distance D1 of about 1.2 mm from vertical reference line 134. In one embodiment, radius of curvature 110 has a length of about 0.5 mm, and radii of curvature 112, 114 have lengths of about 0.6 mm. In one embodiment, radii of curvature 128, 130 have lengths of about 1.0 mm. In one embodiment, the distance between center points X and Y is about 0.9 mm, the distance between center points Z and Y is about 0.65 mm, and the distance between center points X and Z is about 0.7 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, each central angle CYD, AXB, and FZE is greater than 90 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the sum of central angles CYD, AXB, and FZE is greater than 360 degrees. In one embodiment, central angle CYD is about 150 degrees, central angle AXB is about 140 degrees, and central angle FZE is about 120 degrees. Other suitable dimensions may be provided for seal 20.
In one embodiment, a cutting tool is provided that is configured to cut seal 20 from a mold based on the dimensions described herein. In one embodiment, seal 20 may deviate from the cutting tool dimensions after being cut from the mold due to shrinkage, curing, etc. The amount of size deviation or variation may depend on the type of material used for seal 20. In one embodiment, seal 20 may be designed to meet dimensional and contour specifications that provide a range of acceptable dimensions to allow for the shrinkage, curing, and other size deviations.
In one embodiment, the curved outer profile 100 of seal 20 serves to reduce scrap or waste during manufacture of a seal 20. In one embodiment, the rounded outer profile 100 also serves to reduce the difficulty of installing seal 20 into groove 50. In one embodiment, the shorter height H1 of inner lobe 84 relative to height H2 of outer lobe 80 further facilitates the insertion and installation of seal 20 in groove 50. In one embodiment, inner wall 52 of connector 12 includes a curved portion 66 (see
Seal 20 of connector assembly 10 may require replacement over time due to wearing or regularly scheduled maintenance. With reference to
Referring to
Referring to
While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A vehicle including:
- a chassis;
- a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis;
- a fluid system supported by the chassis and including a fluid connector assembly, the fluid connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector, the first connector including an end portion having an annular groove, the annular groove including a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, a base wall extending between the first and second side walls, and a lip portion extending outwardly from the first side wall, the lip portion including an inner surface positioned opposite the base wall, and a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion, the seal including a first convex surface, a second convex surface, and a concave surface extending between the first convex surface and the second convex surface, the first and second convex surfaces and the concave surface cooperating to form an asymmetrical outer profile of the seal, at least a portion of the first convex surface abutting the inner surface of the lip portion.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a third convex surface and a second concave surface extending between the second convex surface and the third convex surface.
3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the seal further includes a substantially flat base surface extending between the first convex surface and the third convex surface, the base surface of the seal abutting the base wall of the annular groove.
4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein a second portion of the first convex surface of the seal abuts the first side wall of the annular groove, wherein the seal and the end portion cooperate to form a first gap between the at least a portion of the first convex surface and the second portion of the first convex surface and a second gap between the second portion of the first convex surface and the base surface.
5. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein a radius of curvature of the second convex surface is smaller than radii of curvature of the first and third convex surfaces.
6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature of the first convex surface is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the third convex surface.
7. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein a radius of curvature of the concave portion is substantially the same as a radius of curvature of the second concave portion.
8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the first connector includes an outer surface configured to face the second connector, wherein when the seal is in an uncompressed state, a portion of the second convex surface extends outwardly past the outer surface of the end portion.
9. A vehicle including:
- a chassis;
- a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis; and
- a fluid system supported by the chassis and including a fluid connector assembly, the fluid connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector, the first connector including an end portion having an annular groove, the annular groove including a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, and a base wall extending between the first and second side walls, and a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion, the seal having an outer profile with a first convex arc, a second convex arc, and a third convex arc, the first, second, and third convex arcs each having a central angle, a radius of curvature, and an arc length, the central angle of each of the first, second, and third convex arcs being greater than 90 degrees.
10. The vehicle of claim 9, the outer profile of the seal further including a first concave arc extending between the first convex arc and the second convex arc and a second concave arc extending between the second convex arc and the third convex arc.
11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein a radius of curvature of the first concave arc is substantially the same as a radius of curvature of the third concave arc.
12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the arc length of the first convex arc is greater than the arc length of the second and third convex arcs.
13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the radius of curvature of the second convex arc is less than the radii of curvature of the first and third convex arcs.
14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the central angle of the first convex arc is greater than or equal to about 150 degrees, the central angle of the second convex arc is greater than or equal to about 140 degrees, and the central angle of the third convex arc is greater than or equal to about 120 degrees.
15. The vehicle of claim 9, the outer profile of the seal further including a substantially flat portion extending between the first convex arc and the third convex arc, the substantially flat portion being positioned adjacent the base wall of the annular groove.
16. The vehicle of claim 15, the first connector further including a lip portion extending outwardly from the first side wall of the annular groove, the lip portion including an inner surface positioned opposite the base wall, a first portion of the first convex arc being positioned adjacent the inner surface of the lip portion and a second portion of the first convex arc being positioned adjacent the first side wall of the annular groove.
17. A vehicle including:
- a chassis;
- a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis; and
- a fluid system supported by the chassis and including a fluid connector assembly, the fluid connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector, the first connector including an end portion having an annular groove, the annular groove including a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, and a base wall extending between the first and second side walls, and a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion, the seal having an outer profile with a plurality of convex arcs, each convex arc having a central angle, a radius of curvature, and an arc length, the sum of the central angles of the plurality of convex arcs being greater than 360 degrees.
18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the plurality of convex arcs includes a first convex arc, a second convex arc, and a third convex arc, the sum of the central angles of the first, second, and third convex arcs being greater than 360 degrees.
19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the central angle of the first convex arc is greater than the central angle of the second convex arc, and the central angle of the second convex arc is greater than the central angle of the third convex arc.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the central angle of the first convex arc is greater than or equal to about 150 degrees, the central angle of the second convex arc is greater than or equal to about 140 degrees, and the central angle of the third convex arc is greater than or equal to about 120 degrees.
21. The vehicle of claim 19, the first connector further including a lip portion extending outwardly from the first side wall of the annular groove, wherein the first convex arc is positioned adjacent the lip portion and the first side wall of the annular groove.
22. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the outer profile further includes a first concave arc connecting the first convex arc to the second convex arc and a second concave arc connecting the second convex arc to the third convex arc.
23. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the outer profile further includes a substantially flat portion connecting the first convex arc to the third convex arc and being positioned adjacent the base wall of the annular groove.
24. A vehicle including:
- a chassis;
- a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis; and
- a fluid system supported by the chassis and including a fluid connector assembly, the fluid connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector configured to couple to the first connector, the first connector including an end portion having an annular groove, the annular groove including a first side wall, a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, and a base wall extending between the first and second side walls, and a seal positioned in the annular groove of the end portion, the seal having an outer profile including a first arc and a second arc, the first arc having a first center point and a first radius measured between the first center point and the first arc, the second arc having a second center point and a second radius measured between the second center point and the second arc, the first center point being offset from the second center point, a distance between the first and second center points being less than a sum of the first and second radii.
25. The vehicle of claim 24, the outer profile of the seal further including a third arc having a third center point and a third radius measured between the third center point and the third arc, a distance between the first and third center points being less than a sum of the first and third radii, and a distance between the second and third center points being less than a sum of the second and third radii.
26. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein the distance between the first and second center points is greater than the distance between the second and third center points, and the distance between the second and third center points is greater than the distance between the first and third center points.
27. The vehicle of claim 26, wherein the first radius of the first arc is substantially the same as the third radius of the third arc.
28. The vehicle of claim 26, wherein the first radius of the first arc and the third radius of the third arc are greater than the second radius of the second arc.
29. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein the first, second, and third arcs are substantially convex, wherein the outer profile of the seal further includes a first concave arc connecting the first arc to the second arc and a second concave arc connecting the second arc to the third arc.
30. The vehicle of claim 29, wherein the first and second concave arcs each include a radius and an arc length, the radii of the first and second concave arcs being substantially the same, the arc length of the first concave arc being greater than the arc length of the second concave arc.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 1, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 6, 2012
Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY (Moline, IL)
Inventor: George J. Kotz (Dubuque, IA)
Application Number: 13/037,976